Tokyo
The safest metropolitan city in the world and mecca of arcades, tradition, and all-night karaoke.
The dazzling metropolis of Tokyo is not only the biggest city in Japan, but it’s also the most densely populated (and reportedly the safest) city in the world! During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Japan’s capital city will become even more raucous when it hosts eight international matches.
Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant in the infamous red light district, Kabukicho.
Tokyo has everything from your wildest dreams—assuming your dreamland is occupied by robots, themed restaurants, and never-ending nightlife.
It’s more than just a wild party city though, Tokyo meshes traditional Japanese culture, art, and food in a way that you just have to experience for yourself to believe.
There’s no place more fitting to host the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup.
Ajinomoto Stadium
Photo by: yoppy In addition to the opening ceremony, the stadium will host eight matches including two Quarterfinals, and the Bronze Final.
Located in the western part of Tokyo in Chofu, Ajinomoto Stadium was used as the main training grounds for the Saudi Arabian team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The nearly 50,000-capacity stadium is easily accessible from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio line.
What to do before and after the Rugby World Cup Games
Tokyo is made up of 23 wards, each with their own personalities and quirks. Exploring the various neighborhoods is a sort of pilgrimage along a road paved in trendy pop culture, picturesque parks, and upscale sophistication.
Party in Shinjuku
For street food, head to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, affectionately known as Piss Alley. We’ll let you guess why.
Extremely popular amongst foreign visitors due to its seedy reputation, Shinjuku is a maze of nightclubs and bars with so many lights and sounds it can sometimes be an assault on your senses. See for yourself, and do your best not to get lost in the labyrinth of Shinjuku Station.
What to eat
Tokyo Ramen Street
Eating ramen in Japan is a no-brainer. In Tokyo, the best place to try this classic dish is deep within Tokyo Station’s Ramen Street.
Photo by: amanderson2 Look for this sign!
You’ll soon learn that train stations in Japan are basically huge shopping malls packed with restaurants and retail stores. Head to the Central Yaesu Exit, and look for the “Tokyo Ramen Street” sign. Take your pick amongst hundreds of shops, there are no bad choices.
Kaitenzushi
Just grab whichever sushi plate looks good off the conveyor belt.
Sushi on a conveyor belt—genius. You can find these “sushi train” restaurants everywhere, but one of our favorites is the Sushiro chain.
Sightseeing around Tokyo
You could go out every night of the week in Tokyo and never have the same experience twice. There are hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered, lodged in every corner of the city’s backstreets.
Senso-ji Temple
Iconic.
You’ve definitely seen a photo of Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple if you’ve googled anything related to traveling in Tokyo. The iconic red temple and elongated shopping street leading up to it are the perfect spots to buy souvenirs and get a feel for Japan’s traditional culture.
- 2-chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo-to 111-0032 - Map
- Getting there: Take the Ginza line or Asakusa line to Asakusa Station and follow the signs for “Kaminarimon” which is the main gate before the temple.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Around 2,500 people scramble across this intersection outside Shibuya Station each time the pedestrian signal turns green. Get Lost in Translation, amongst a barrage of flashing advertisements, oversized HD screens, and shops stacked up to the sky.
- 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo-to 150-0043 - Map
- Take the Yamanote line to Shibuya Station. This route is covered by the JR Pass!
How to get there
- You can use either Haneda Airport or Narita Airport to access Tokyo, though Haneda Airport provides easier access to Ajinomoto Stadium.
From Haneda Airport
- Take the airport limousine bus to Chofu Station and then take the Keio line to Tobitakyu Station. From there, it’s a ten-minute walk to the stadium.
- Take the Narita Skyliner to Nippori Station where you’ll transfer to the Yamanote line. Get off at Shinjuku Station and then take the Keio line to Tobitakyu Station.
